► Clustering is a classical problem that has been a valuable research topic because it exists in many fields, such as engineering, computer science, medical science,…
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▼ Clustering is a classical problem that has been a valuable research topic because it exists in many fields, such as engineering, computer science, medical science, and economics, and it has been widely used as the initial stage in solving these problems. Many algorithms for clustering are likely to fall into local optima easily or are extremely sensitive to the initial solution of the clustering problem, thus making the quality of the end result quite unstable. Therefore, we proposed a search-experience-based algorithm, called potential forecast algorithm (PFA). The underlying idea of the proposed algorithm is to use not only the past searched information to forecast the potential positions which may end up with better solutions, it also uses k-means as a local search mechanism to improve the quality of the end result. To evaluate the performance of PFA, we compare it with other state-of-the-art algorithms. We also test and analyze the influence of all the parameters. The simulation results indicate that PFA can provide not only a better solution but also a more stable quality of the end result.
Advisors/Committee Members: Shiann-Rong Kuang (chair), Ming-Chao Chiang (committee member), Chun-Wei Tsai (chair), Chung-Nan Lee (chair).

► The researcher selected a quantitative cross-sectional design to test the concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor ability by evaluating the relationships between mining machine…
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▼ The researcher selected a quantitative cross-sectional design to test the concurrent validity of learning
potential and psychomotor ability by evaluating the relationships between mining machine operators’
learning potential and psychomotor ability as well as their work safety behaviour. Work safety behaviour
was considered indicative of their capability to operate a moving machine. The utilization of measuring
instruments capable of measuring their learning potential and psychomotor ability and measuring safety
behaviour by means of their safety score cards provided the required measurement data. The study
involved a quantitative investigation into the relationship between learning potential and psychomotor
ability as independent variables and safety behaviour as dependent variable.
De Vos, Strydom, Fouche and Delport (2002, p.79) defined quantitative research as “based on positivism,
which takes scientific explanation to be nomothetic. Its main aims are to measure the social world
objectively, to test hypotheses and to predict and explain human behaviour. A quantitative study may
therefore be defined as an inquiry into social or human problems based on testing a theory composed of
variables, measured with numbers and analysed with statistical procedures in order to determine whether
the predictive generalization of the theory holds true.”
The aim of the study was to determine the learning potential and psychomotor ability of mining machine
operators as well as compare the following sub-groups (based on the biographical variables): age, years’
experience, educational level and gender. The respondents’ work safety behaviour was measured and
the relationship between the two measures of the independent variables (learning potential and
psychomotor ability) and work safety behaviour determined.
Advisors/Committee Members: De Beer, M (advisor).

Keyser, K. (2012). The concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor performance compared to safe working behaviour of machine operations in a platinum mine
. (Masters Thesis). University of South Africa. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6118

Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):

Keyser, Karin. “The concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor performance compared to safe working behaviour of machine operations in a platinum mine
.” 2012. Masters Thesis, University of South Africa. Accessed September 15, 2019.
http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6118.

Keyser K. The concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor performance compared to safe working behaviour of machine operations in a platinum mine
. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. University of South Africa; 2012. [cited 2019 Sep 15].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6118.

Council of Science Editors:

Keyser K. The concurrent validity of learning potential and psychomotor performance compared to safe working behaviour of machine operations in a platinum mine
. [Masters Thesis]. University of South Africa; 2012. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/6118

The minerals are present in everyday human under the most varied forms, whether in the field of metallurgy, chemical industry, construction or farming. In general, it appears that the path followed by the development of humanity was and is achieved by seeking and use of mineral commodities. Given the territorial extension and geological diversity found in soil and subsoil, Brazil has great potential as a holder of mining on the world stage. In this context, Roraima is in a region that has traditionally focused on the exploitation of minerals, especially gold and diamonds. Main river port in the state of Roraima, very important in the recent past, the city of Caracaraí - RR lost its axial with the construction of highway BR-174. The development of their rural area is based on farming, the urban core in trade and services and the mining industry still in its infancy. This study focuses on a survey of economically important mineral resources, including those in the exploration stage in the city, using as auxiliary products of remote sensing and field data. We surveyed 19 sampling points, eight near the BR-174 and 11 in bibliography. Images were prepared letters of mineral occurrences,…

► Numerous abandoned uranium mines (AUM) within the Navajo Nation contribute uranium (U), arsenic (As) and other metals to the soil, air and groundwater that…
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▼ Numerous abandoned uranium mines (AUM) within the Navajo Nation contribute uranium (U), arsenic (As) and other metals to the soil, air and groundwater that continue to pose potential health risks to Navajo residents. The prevalence of inflammatory-related cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) has increased among the Navajo community in recent decades. Environmental exposure to metal contaminants may alter the circulation in ways that are associated with the inflammation-driven process of atherosclerotic plaque formation. Thus, we hypothesize that exposures to AUM metal contaminants are associated with pro-atherogenic changes in the circulation as evidenced by increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation and serum inflammatory potential. To assess the relative contribution of mining metals exposures on community health, we assessed oxLDL and its relationship to CVD and T2D biomarkers in the Navajo, and then these data were linked to mining contaminant exposure metrics (water intake and urine metals). As proof-of-concept and to examine a possible mechanism, acellular assays investigated if As and U could directly oxidize purified human LDL cholesterol. Lastly, since serum represents the balance of inflammation, i.e. inflammatory potential, transcriptional responses of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL2) were measured from primary endothelial cells treated with participant serum. These responses were linked to mining contaminant exposures (water intake and AUM proximity). Regression modeling showed that estimated annual intake of As from drinking water is a significant predictor of oxLDL in this population, despite oxLDL levels being similar to levels in other populations without evidence of CVD. We found that As, but not U, oxidized the protein but not the lipid components of LDL cholesterol. Linear regression modeling showed that AUM proximity solely and strongly predicted serum inflammatory potential as measured by endothelial cell transcription of VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and CCL2. Taken together, our data suggest that exposure to U mining waste in a population with several CVD risk factors influences pro-atherogenic changes in the circulation, and that other exposure routes, metals, and mixtures should be investigated. Our data may aid in modifying clinical treatment decisions and exposure reduction strategies.
Advisors/Committee Members: Campen, Matthew, Lewis, Johnnye, Gonzales, Melissa, Hudson, Laurie.

► This research investigated the potential benefits, risks and challenges, innovation properties and viability of cloud computing for records management on an Australian organisation within the…
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▼ This research investigated the potential benefits, risks and challenges, innovation properties and viability of cloud computing for records management on an Australian organisation within the mining software development sector. This research involved the use of a case study results analysis as well as a literature analysis. The literature analysis identified the ten potential benefits of cloud computing, as well as the ten risks and challenges associated with cloud computing. It further identified aspects, which needed to be addressed when adopting cloud computing in order to promote innovation within an organisation. The case study analysis was compared against a literature review of ten potential benefits of cloud computing, as well as the ten risks and challenges associated with cloud computing. This was done in order to determine cloud computing’s viability for records management for Company X (The company in the case study). Cloud computing
was found to be viable for Company X. However, there were certain aspects, which need to be discussed and clarified with the cloud service provider beforehand in order to mitigate possible risks and compliance issues. It is also recommended that a cloud service provider who complies with international standards, such as ISO 15489, be selected. The viability of cloud computing for organisations similar to Company X (mining software development) followed a related path. These organisations need to ensure that the service provider is compliant with laws in their local jurisdiction, such as Electronic Transactions Act 1999 (Australia, 2011:14-15), as well as laws where their data (in the cloud) may be hosted. The benefits, risks and challenges of records management and cloud computing are applicable to these similar organisations. However, mitigation of these risks needs to be discussed with a cloud service provider beforehand. From an innovation perspective, cloud computing is able to
promote innovation within an organisation, if certain antecedents are dealt with. Furthermore, if cloud computing is successfully adopted then it should promote innovation within organisations.
Advisors/Committee Members: Cloete, Linda Maria (advisor), Schellnack-Kelly, Isabel (advisor).

▼ Effective cochlear implant fitting (or programming) is essential for providing good hearing outcomes, yet it is a subjective and error-prone task. The initial objective of this research was to automate the procedure using the auditory nerve electrically evoked compound action potential (the ECAP) and machine intelligence. The Nucleus® cochlear implant measures the ECAP via its Neural Response Telemetry (NRT) system. AutoNRT, a commercial intelligent system that measures ECAP thresholds with the Nucleus Freedom implant, was firstly developed in this research. AutoNRT uses decision tree expert systems that automatically recognise ECAPs. The algorithm approaches threshold from lower stimulus levels, ensuring recipient safety during postoperative measurements. Clinical studies have demonstrated success on approximately 95% of electrodes, measured with the same efficacy as a human expert. NRT features other than ECAP threshold, such as the ECAP recovery function, could not be measured with similar success rates, precluding further automation and loudness prediction from data mining results. Despite this outcome, a better application of the ECAP threshold profile towards fitting was established. Since C-level profiles (the contour of maximum acceptable stimulus levels across the implant array) were observed to be flatter than T-level profiles (the contour of minimum audibility), a flattening of the ECAP threshold profile was adopted when applied as a fitting profile at higher stimulus levels. Clinical benefits of this profile scaling technique were demonstrated in a 42 subject study. Data mining results also provided an insight into the ECAP recovery function and refractoriness. It is argued that the ECAP recovery function is heavily influenced by the size of the recruited neural population, with evidence gathered from a computational model of the cat auditory nerve and NRT measurements with 21 human subjects. Slower ECAP recovery, at equal loudness, is a consequence of greater neural recruitment leading to lower mean spike probabilities. This view can explain the counterintuitive association between slower ECAP recovery and greater temporal responsiveness to increasing stimulation rate. This thesis presents the first attempt at achieving completely automated cochlear implant fitting via machine intelligence; a future generation implant, capable of high fidelity auditory system measurements, may realise the ultimate objective.
Advisors/Committee Members: Bain, Michael, Computer Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW, Compton, Paul, Computer Science & Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, UNSW.

Botros, A. (2010). The application of machine intelligence to cochlear implant fitting and the analysis of the auditory nerve response. (Doctoral Dissertation). University of New South Wales. Retrieved from http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44707 ; https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:8007/SOURCE02?view=true

Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):

Botros, Andrew. “The application of machine intelligence to cochlear implant fitting and the analysis of the auditory nerve response.” 2010. Doctoral Dissertation, University of New South Wales. Accessed September 15, 2019.
http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44707 ; https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:8007/SOURCE02?view=true.

Botros A. The application of machine intelligence to cochlear implant fitting and the analysis of the auditory nerve response. [Internet] [Doctoral dissertation]. University of New South Wales; 2010. [cited 2019 Sep 15].
Available from: http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44707 ; https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:8007/SOURCE02?view=true.

Council of Science Editors:

Botros A. The application of machine intelligence to cochlear implant fitting and the analysis of the auditory nerve response. [Doctoral Dissertation]. University of New South Wales; 2010. Available from: http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/44707 ; https://unsworks.unsw.edu.au/fapi/datastream/unsworks:8007/SOURCE02?view=true

University of South Africa

7.
Robertson, Karen.
The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
.

Robertson, K. (2009). The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
. (Masters Thesis). University of South Africa. Retrieved from http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3372

Chicago Manual of Style (16th Edition):

Robertson, Karen. “The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
.” 2009. Masters Thesis, University of South Africa. Accessed September 15, 2019.
http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3372.

MLA Handbook (7th Edition):

Robertson, Karen. “The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
.” 2009. Web. 15 Sep 2019.

Vancouver:

Robertson K. The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
. [Internet] [Masters thesis]. University of South Africa; 2009. [cited 2019 Sep 15].
Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3372.

Council of Science Editors:

Robertson K. The validation of a test battery for the selection of first-line supervisors in a South African mining company
. [Masters Thesis]. University of South Africa; 2009. Available from: http://hdl.handle.net/10500/3372

Most transportation problems arise from individual travel decisions. In response, transportation researchers had been studying individual travel behavior – a growing trend that requires activity data at individual level. Global positioning systems (GPS) and geographical information systems (GIS) have been used to capture and process individual activity data, from determining activity locations to mapping routes to these locations. Potential applications of GPS data seem limitless but our tools and methods to make these data usable lags behind. In response to this need, this dissertation presents a GIS-based toolkit to automatically extract activity episodes from GPS data and derive information related to these episodes from additional data (e.g., road network, land use).
The major emphasis of this dissertation is the development of a toolkit for extracting information associated with movements of individuals from GPS data. To be effective, the toolkit has been developed around three design principles: transferability, modularity, and scalability. Two substantive chapters focus on selected components of the toolkit (map-matching, mode detection); another for the entire toolkit. Final substantive chapter demonstrates the toolkit’s potential by comparing route choice models of work and shop trips using inputs generated by the toolkit.
There are several tools and methods that capitalize on GPS data, developed within different problem domains. This dissertation contributes to that repository of tools and methods by presenting a suite of tools that can extract all possible information that can be derived from GPS data. Unlike existing tools cited in the transportation literature, the toolkit has been designed to be complete (covers preprocessing up to extracting route attributes), and can work with GPS data alone or in combination with additional data. Moreover, this dissertation contributes to our understanding of route choice decisions for work and shop trips by looking into the combined effects of route attributes and individual characteristics.